What Will the Oakland Raiders Do With #1 Overall Pick?
By Erik Lambert
Sep 20, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive linesman Cedric Ogbuehi (70) looks to block Southern Methodist Mustangs linebacker Robert Seals (30) at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Texas A&M beat Southern Methodist 58-6. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Too early? Perhaps. Still, based on the running trend it’s clear the Oakland Raiders are a favorite to land the top overall draft pick for 2015. What should they do?
Maximizing Derek Carr must become top priority
At 0-4 the writing is on the wall. Barring a major turnaround, which is unlikely, the Raiders are once again destined for an ugly season out of the playoffs. If they do end up with the #1 overall pick, their strategy of course will depend on whether they have a new head coach and even a new general manager. However, the simple reality is that their focus must be on doing everything possible to ensure the development and success of quarterback Derek Carr.
He is their future now. That is why they drafted him in the second round. He has the ability but as proven over the first four games, he does not have the supporting cast. To date he hasn’t logged more than 300 yards passing in a game or a 100 quarterback rating. It’s easy to chalk that off as him being a rookie but the reality is the Raiders offense isn’t good enough. That is clear from the fact they haven’t scored more than 14 points in a game.
So based on this situation, here are some possibilities for the Oakland Raiders front office to consider with the #1 pick in the 2015 draft next April.
Cedric Ogbuehi – OT – Texas A&M
There is no such thing as too many good blockers for a quarterback. Cedric Ogbuehi started the college football season as the highest rated offensive tackle in the country and nothing has happened to change that. His size-speed-agility combination makes him a premium pass protector who also boasts some power in the run game. Donald Penn has done well at left tackle for the Raiders, so they could easily slide Ogbuehi over to right tackle where Carr could end up having bookends to keep him upright.
Amari Cooper – WR – Alabama
Outside of James Jones, the entire Oakland receiving corps has been a colossal disappointment in 2014. It merely proves Carr needs another reliable weapon to look to. Alabama star Amari Cooper is proving exactly that. While not huge like a Calvin Johnson, he’s fast, shifty, smart and has that ability adjust his routes and find openings in a defense for big plays. He also knows how to make the tough catches.
Trade Back: Todd Gurley – RB – Georgia
Knowing Reggie McKenzie, in all likelihood the Oakland Raiders may end up trying to deal the #1 pick were they to land it next year. One trade scenario they could consider is moving back towards the 8-12 range and then using their subsequent pick to add Georgia running back Todd Gurley. Granted, running backs haven’t been going in the first round lately but Gurley is an exception. He’s big, strong, fast, boasts great vision and doesn’t go down easily. He’s as close to an Adrian Peterson type back as it gets, and the Raiders have nobody like that on the roster.
How much easier would life be for Carr if they did?